New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced the launch of the Open Streets season with 127 Open Streets to come online this spring, as well as programming details for this year’s annual Open Streets: Car Free Earth Day (CFED) on Saturday, April 26, which will feature 54 car-free streets and plazas throughout the five boroughs. This year's Car-Free Earth Day connects Open Streets and plazas while providing access to over 1,000 miles of NYC's bike network, with each location showcasing public art or community programming. Car-free operations will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“This year's monumental Car-Free Earth Day celebration will feature exciting programming, music, and activities for New Yorkers from all walks of life at numerous car-free streets throughout the five boroughs,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “This Open Street activation should be a poignant reminder of our collective responsibility to combat climate change, and to preserve the beauty of our city as we work together to minimize our carbon footprint so that we can pave the way for a brighter future for our planet and future generations.”
Open Streets 2025
Car-Free Earth Day makes select city streets car-free and promotes activism and education surrounding climate change, environmentalism, and sustainable modes of transportation. The event also marks the official start of the city’s Open Streets and Public Space Programming season, with the launch of Open Street locations across the city. This year, NYC DOT is beginning the Open Streets season with 127 initial locations with more coming online later this year. New Yorkers can find each location and hours of operations via nyc.gov/OpenStreets.
Car-Free Earth Day Featured Programming
Throughout the city at each signature location, art and community programming will engage New Yorkers on sustainability, climate change, and community building. More information on all Car-Free Earth Day locations can be found at nyc.gov/carfreenyc.
This Car-Free Earth Day New Yorkers will be able to:
In addition to signature events, 47 Open Street and Plaza locations will feature additional car-free programming. Timing may vary by location, visit nyc.gov/carfreenyc for specific programming partner and activation times for each location.
Public Art Installations at Car-Free Earth Day
NYC DOT commissioned five artists to provide temporary, environmentally focused artworks along certain routes through the NYC DOT Art program. Learn more about NYC DOT Art initiatives and open calls at nyc.gov/DOTART.
Rising. Curtains.by Anjali Deshmukh and Ernest Verrett
Location: 5th Avenue between 44th and 45th Streets in Sunset Park, Brooklyn
NYC-based artists Anjali Deshmukh and Ernest Verrett are showcasing their ongoing sculptural installation Rising. Curtains. The beaded curtain depicts a map of global temperatures from 1901 to 2000 to raise awareness about climate change and prompt consideration of its effects. Visitors are invited to reflect through a series of games that help the sculpture change throughout the course of the event.
Asphalt Astersby Molly Gambardella
Location: Broadway between 22nd and 23rd Streets in Flatiron, Manhattan
Connecticut-based interdisciplinary artist Molly Gambardella is displaying her Asphalt Asters, which transform community-sourced single-use plastic bags into larger-than-life sculptures. A symbolic garden will bloom from our streets to remind visitors that these native flowers are a keystone to pollination.
NYC Art Stop Letters by Cailtin Keegan
Location: Broadway between 46th and 47th Streets in Times Square, Manhattan
The popular NYC Art Stop Letters will come to Car-Free Earth Day with a brand-new botanical design by NYC-based illustrator Caitlin Keegan. This eye-catching installation features large-scale letters spelling out “NYC,” filled with whimsical illustrations of native plants and natural elements. This piece celebrates New York’s unique ecosystems and the beauty of everyday greenery.
Branchingby Ishita Jain
Location: Citywide on JCDecaux bus shelters
Branching by NYC-based illustrator Ishita Jain is a vibrant poster honoring some of the oldest New Yorkers —the City's majestic trees—on the occasion of Car-Free Earth Day. Among the branches, people run, bike, and play on the streets demonstrating the intricate relationship between nature and the urban landscape of our beloved city.
Free Citi Bike Rides
Through the support of Lyft, Citi Bike will offer free unlimited 30-minute rides on a classic Citi Bike on Car-Free Earth Day for 24 hours. All riders may take advantage of the offer. To redeem your free pass, enter promo code CARFREENYC25 on the “Day Pass” tab of the Citi Bike app.
